We have a lot of names for this cool plant. Walking or Egyptian onions, even tree onions. They are perennials and very easy to grow.
It is thought to be originally native to India or Pakistan, then later introduced into Europe by the Romans. And even though that's a warmer climate overall they are hardy in Zones 3 - 10. I have grown them in Zones 5 & 6 with great success.
Perennial onions are wonderful because they need little care, are great for flavoring dishes, and help you become self-sufficient. This article will teach you how to grow and use Egyptian Walking Onions.
My harvest! The Egyptian walking onions are in the middle and you can see they are more slender like shallots. Its July and they are ready to harvest like my garlic and onions. Photo credit: Ame Vanorio
Bulbils
They look and grow similar to other onions. All parts of the plant can be eaten. Instead of flowers, this plant produces topsets, or bulbils, at the top of the stalk where the flowers and seeds are on an annual onion.
The stalks eventually flop over from the weight of the bulbils and replant themselves, thus beginning their “walk” across the ground.
Just get a handful of the bulbils from a friend and your off. You can also find them online.
The bulbils just need to be planted to grow more onions! Photo credit: Ame Vanorio
Growing
Plant in full sun where you intend to have them for a long time. It can even be grown in a mixed perennial border for an unusual effect! If you use permaculture they do well as part of a tree guild, or an understory plant in a food forest.
Egyptian walking onions are easy to propagate. Just break off the bulbils and plant! Place them no more than an inch deep and 4-5 inches apart. Just like onions with the pointy end up. They do take a season to get established.
The plants die back and look scruffy over the winter, but very early in the spring new green shoots emerge.
Mulch them with some straw or chopped leaves during the winter.
Read my article Root Crops in Zone 6B - Growing and Using
Pests
Thrips can be a problem in hot, dry summers but the damage is primarily cosmetic and typically not as damaging as in regular onions. Don't use excessive nitrogen. I just add compost to my bed every spring. If thrips are a problem you can use sticky traps or spray with insect soap.
Egyptian walking onions are the easiest perennial crop to add to your garden. This video demonstrates the life cycle of tree onions, also known as Egyptian walking onions. It is designed for home gardeners looking for low-maintenance, edible plants that return year after year without needing to be replanted. Great for people interested in Self-sufficiency.
Black Walnut
One fun fact is that walking onions are not susceptible to juglone, so can be grown near black walnut trees. They do need at least partial sun.
Check out my Store for lots of resources for gardeners, teachers, and wildlife rehabilitators.
Eating
So all parts of the plant can be eaten. When the plants get crowed I pull up some of the roots. Use them like you would shallots. I typically use them in stir fry or caramelized. You can also eat the top bulbs. They are spicy and have a bit of a kick. Harvest the tender young greens early in the spring.
The green tops are very flavorful. Chop the hollow green stalks and use them just like scallions or chives. They are a great addition to eggs, soups, and stir-fry.
The bulbils have a spicy flavor and can be used similar to garlic. Great with roasted vegetables. And they are fabulous pickled!
Mini onion rings
Mature bulbs are versatile and can be used in any recipe that calls for onions.
Check out my Amazon Store for my recommendations on what gardening and wildlife supplies that I personally use.
Author, Ame Vanorio, is the founder of Fox Run EEC and a lifelong organic gardener. She started selling at the local farmer’s market at age 16, was a USDA certified organic farmer, and now in her 60’s has a teaches gardening from her urban backyard “farm”.
Great for Nature Moms, Homeschoolers, and Summer Vacation! This fun and educational activity book will help your young student learn all about how to identify wildlife by their tracks.
This is the PDF version. If you prefer the paperback version is sold on Amazon for $8.99. Amazon paperback is B/W version
Matching, Memory, Label - each activity may be done with two levels. You can just use the pictures or add in the name cards for more of a reading opportunity.
Bingo - there are 4 different boards with animal pictures. Tokens for animals or tracks are available and you could also use the word cards.
Reading the names of the animal species.
Writing includes tracing, printing, and storytelling.
Math - measurement
Cut and Glue - fun craft to work on hand-eye coordination - make a raccoon, moose, and skunk
Experience some of the beautiful artwork of Larysa Zabrotskaya who illustrated two of the fun games.
The animals featured are:
*Deer *Raccoon *Hare *Squirrel *Skunk *Bear *Fox *Hedgehog *Wolf
*Owl *Crow *Duck *Moose *Lynx *Badger
8.5 x 11 inches (21.59 x 27.94 cm) PDF file. 58 Pages.
For best printing use high-quality paper. Colors may differ due to monitor/printer variations. Final quality depends on your printer and paper.
This is a digital download, no physical item will be shipped. Instant download items don’t accept returns, exchanges, or cancellations. However, please contact us if you have any issues.
Transparency statement: Some materials were made by me in the graphic design program Canva and some were purchased from Creative Fabrica. To my knowledge illustrations were hand-drawn. Coloring pages may be AI-generated.
SKU 001
© 2023 Fox Run Environmental Education Center
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used in any manner without the expressed permission of the author. You may not reproduce, duplicate, or transmit the contents. This listing is for personal use only. These files cannot be used commercially or sold on a third-party platform. They may be used in classrooms or homeschools.